Calls for UK government to ban artificial stone worktops follow the first cases of silicosis linked to its manufacturing.
Medical experts have called for the Government to follow Australia in banning artificial stone (AS) worktops.
Credit: Alamy Stock
The kitchen piece is made by crushing rocks together with resins and pigments – a cheaper alternative to real stone such as marble, but with higher concentrations of silica in its dust, which stonemasons could be at risk of breathing in.
In a British Thoracic Society report, a team of doctors associated with the first cases of silicosis, have called for spotlight on a potential epidemic saying: “UK cases are likely to increase, with urgent action needed to identify cases and enforce regulations.”
The report highlighted the cases involved a short exposure time, saying: “We report eight UK cases of AS silicosis in young men. Most were migrant workers, vulnerable to exploitation in the workplace and health inequalities, with short exposure histories.
“All cases were dry cutting and polishing AS worktops with inadequate safety measures.
“The growing use of AS has seen the emergence of a severe progressive accelerated form of silicosis.”
The TUC echoed calls for focus on the incurable and potentially fatal lung disease, with its Health and Safety Policy Officer Shelly Asquith adding: “Everyone should be safe at work. But workplace dust can be lethal – and the current exposure limit for silica is far too high.
“Research shows that if the workplace exposure limit was halved it could prevent hundreds of deaths in the decades ahead. The Health and Safety Executive should take urgent action to reduce the limit, and they should review the evidence presented by doctors calling for a ban.
“We also need tougher enforcement, with more resources for the Health and Safety Executive, as we know there are rogue companies who play fast and loose with the safety of the people they employ.”
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